Aberdeen - go on peaceful walk in the Kirkhill Forest and Tyrebagger Wood

Kirkhill Forest and Tyrebagger Wood offer an opportunity to get away from the city of Aberdeen, located just 5 km away. The quietness of the wood is great for nature lovers plus also watch out look out for the sculptures that have been placed along the walking trails by local artists. There are separate trails for walking, mountain bikes and horse riding. Just outside the forest is a circle of standing stones and a lookout tower, with impressive views situated at the top of Tyrebagger Hill.

Edinburgh - go on board the Royal Yacht Britannia

Once owned by the Queen of England the Royal Yacht Britannia is possibly one of the most famous yachts in the world. Take a tour and see where the Queen ate and slept and entertained dignitaries from all around the world. Look at the beautiful furnishings and take a tour around the immaculately clean engine room. You can even take traditional English Tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room. The Britannia can be very busy in August.

Edinburgh - take a guided walking tour of this historic city

Edinburgh is steeped in history and a walking tour of the city is the best way to learn about much of it. Scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here and be sure to be at the castle to watch the firing of the gun at 1 o’clock. The city is full of statues to famous people including Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Greyfriar’s Bobby.

Edinburgh - stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are 2nd only to Kew Gardens in importance in Europe due to the large variety of plants that they house. A relaxing stroll around the gardens allows you to take in the flora from different parts of the world. Different gardens are laid out for your enjoyment and also to preserve some very rare plant species. Be sure to also visit inside the glasshouses to view a host of tropical plants.

Fort William - admire spectacular Ben Nevis mountain

People have been reaching the summit of Ben Nevis since 1771 but there is no need to climb to the top to enjoy the fantastic views from the UK’s highest mountain. With views of up to 190km on a clear day you can understand why people visit here. There are a number of trails but make sure you are properly equipped and trained, and take extra special care and precautions during the winter months and during poor weather. The easiest route is up the Pony Track and is manageable by inexperienced, less energetic walkers.

Glasgow - enjoy a guided tour of the City Chambers building

The city chambers in Glasgow are one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in Scotland and were inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1888 and has been the home of one form or another of Glasgow’s civic government ever since. Take a tour and see the stunning council chamber with its leather seats and hardwood writing desks. Look out for the mosaic on the floor at the entrance and the frescos on the walls in the various grand rooms. Tours are arranged once every morning and afternoon.

Glasgow - discover the famous explorer at the David Livingstone Centre

The home of Scotland’s most famous explorer and missionary is now a museum and houses many historical items from his travels including the shirt he was wearing when met by Stanley in the jungles of Africa. A great day out for the whole family as along with the interesting exhibits there is the opportunity to dress up in period clothing. The centre is closed 25th December to 30 March.

Inverness - go on a monster spotting cruise on Loch Ness

Take a cruise on Loch Ness and see if you can spot Nessie, the fabled creature from the loch. The Loch is Scotland’s largest freshwater lake by volume and is 37 km in length. Take a relaxing tour on the cruise boat and admire the scenery. For a bit more fun book an inflatable boat tour, get close to the water and enjoy the thrill of speed. The inflatable boats allow visitors to get in close to the shore and into small inlets that the bigger cruise boats cannot.

Scotland is famous for its whisky and connoisseurs will tell you that malt whiskies are the best. Whether you like whisky or not take a tour around the distillery of one of Scotland’s better known brands, Talisker. This is the only whisky distilled on Skye and there has been a distillery here since 1830. Tours operate Monday to Friday between Easter to October and by appointment from November to Easter.

St Andrews - experience the historic ruins of St Andews Cathedral

This used to be Scotland’s largest cathedral until it was abandoned in 1561 after John Knox’s speech regarding idolatry in 1559. It was believed to be built on the site of an earlier church dedicated to Andrew, brother of St Peter and now Scotland’s Patron Saint. There is plenty to see as you wander around the ruins at St Andrews Cathedral. Take time to visit the cathedral museum and see St Andrews Sarcophagus, which dates back to around 800AD.

Introduction of Scotland

From the ancient city of Edinburgh to the stunning natural beauty of the Highlands and islands, Scotland offers diverse holiday experiences ranging from culture and heritage to outdoor and adventure sports, golfing and touring its remote northern coastlines and interior. The northernmost UK nation, Scotland has a chequered and often violent history that dates back to pre-Roman times and its clans are famed for much more than just their tartans. A holiday spent exploring the country should take in the beautiful cultural city of Edinburgh, Glasgow's maritime heritage, the Roman wall separating the country from England, the magnificent Scottish Highlands and lochs, and the remote, sparsely-populated offshore islands like the Orkney and Shetland islands. Scotland hotels and inns are dotted across the land as well as in the city centres, providing everything from luxury accommodation to traditional croft-style guest houses and ancient pubs set along harbour walls. Road and rail travel here is efficient and modern, except in severe winters, and regular ferries run along the coasts and across to the islands.